01-Its All About God - Lesson 1

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One
FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One
God. He is before everything. God did not remain silent. He desired to make Himself known. Therefore, He created. He put Himself on display. He would later reveal Himself to us againin His Son Jesusas a display of grace, love and kindness to us, His created children.
Written by: Kimberly Davidson & Steve Wright Graphic Design by: Michele Castillo | www.sonscapecommunications.com Art Design by: Amy Torcasso Editor: Jennifer Sharpe Music: Daniel Renstrom Website: http://www.treasuringchristonline.org | 919-326-3000 | Email: tcc@pray.org
Copyright 2011 by Providence Baptist Church. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means for profit via electronic, mechanical, recording or any other except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher. All Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Dear Sunday School Teacher, Your ministry as a teacher for our Lord has eternal value! When we view our ministry in light of eternity, we see its importance and the privilege that God has entrusted to us. In Psalm 78, the Bible also reminds us of this great calling: One generation commending the Gospel to the next. Treasuring Christ Curriculum: The ministry resource that you hold in your hand is produced and shaped by the local churchThe Bride of Christ. We have three primary strategies that guide us. First, we desire to produce a Gospel-centered curriculum that allows every child, babies to high school students, to study the same Scripture passage each week. Second, we seek to equip parents to thrive in their God-given role as their childs primary discipler. We want this resource, therefore, to connect the church and the home by providing the Connecting Church and Home resource within the curriculum. Third, we want to respond to the desperate need for curriculum resources around the world. We desire to bless the nations with a tool that will help them reach the world with the Gospel of Christ. Quarter One: God on Display Every relationship begins with an introduction. God introducing Himself to us is the heartbeat of this study. God on Display is a major theme that runs throughout all of Scripture. Gods desire to have communion with those He created is seen from cover to cover of the Bible. In the first few pages, we see God communing in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. The theme of communion continues to be seen through the role of the Old Testament tabernacle and temple. In the New Testament, God became incarnate in Jesus, God with us. After Jesus, the Father gives the Holy Spirit to believers and institutes the Church. Fellowship in the Church breeds community, both with God and others made in His likeness. As believers, we are guaranteed that we will spend eternity in communion with God, dwelling in His presence. God is on display: everywhere; in the past, present and future; and in our lives as believers. Let us live continually to display Gods greatness and love.
Its All About God
QuaRTeR Theme | God on dIsplAy Genesis 1:1-2; Psalm 19:1-6
WEEK ONE
OVERVIEW FOR YOuR EdIFICaTIOn EaRlY ChIldhOOd ElEmEnTaRY PRE-TEEn/mIddlE sChOOl hIgh sChOOl COnnECTIng ChuRCh and hOmE REsOuRCEs
4 5-10 11-14 15-18 19-23 24-29 30 31-33
Its All About God

Genesis 1:1-2; Psalm 19:1-6
OVERVIEW
EaRlY ChIldhOOd
ElEmEnTaRY
PRE-TEEn/ mIddlE sChOOl
hIgh sChOOl
Treasure Verse
Psalm 90:2 God tells us about Himself.
Psalm 90:2 God tells us about Himself through creation.
Psalm 90:2 God tells us about Himself through His good creation. Get to know you, Goldfish, Missionary note cards
Psalm 90:2 God tells us about Himself through His good creation. Get to know you, Creation video, Creation movie trailer, Sistine Chapel creation photos, Media influence, Note writing Note cards, pencils, laptop or Internet connection, Sistine Chapel creation photos
Treasure Point
Parent pictures, Ping pong world, Fish Match coloring Candy hold (optional), page, Object circle, Hide-and-seek, Teaching Activities Bible coloring page, Object find, Treasure What Did God Create Verse run, Song time, resource page, Ball Balloon stomp game, Song time Paper, markers, rayons, Fish Match coloring page, small objects, Bible coloring page, What Did God Create resource page, ball, CD and CD player Ping pong balls, markers, small candy (optional), objects from classroom, index cards, pen, tape, CD and CD player, balloons, string, slips of paper
Supplies Needed
Index cards, goldfish or other small pet, note cards, pens and pencils
OVeRVIeW
FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy
Its All About God

FOR YOuR EdIFICaTIOn

Enter the story Have you ever been to an art exhibit opening? A store grand opening? A groundbreaking ceremony? With these special events, businesses often attempt to WOW the public by what or who they are. At art exhibit openings, crowds eagerly anticipate the revealing of a new piece of art. People wait for hours in line for a novel product or for a ceremony to open a new store. This excitement about the reveal or display is a little bit of the wonder we see in Gods act of creation. In the beginning, there was nothing. God was poised, ready to make something grand and wonderful out of nothing. He was ready to drop the sheet, cut the ribbon, or shovel dirt to display His greatness to the world He would soon create. It was perfect. He was blessing us with what He was making. All of it was good. The writer C. S. Lewis once asked the question, How does a play originate? Does it write itself? Do the actors make it up as they go along? Or is there someonenot on the stage, not like the people on stagesomeone we dont see who invented it all and caused it be? This is rarely asked or answered. We are a part of His grand narrative. God displays Himself to us daily. May the display of Gods great faithfulness, provision, creative abilities and His salvation take deep root in your life as you run hard to treasure Christ.
[Genesis] establishes God

as the sole creator, sustainer and judge of all persons. . . It expresses the roots and results of worldwide rebellion against God and Israels place in the remedy for that rebellion. Standing serenely above all these vital, defining ideas though, is the books portrayal of one God who alone creates and rules all that has been created. Paul House, Old Testament Theology, pg. 58
Creation, preservation, and

government of the universe; which is before our eyes as a most elegant book, wherein all creatures, great and small, are as so many characters leading us to see clearly the invisible things of God, even His everlasting power and divinity. The Belgic Confession
For your EdIFIcAtIon
Its All About God

Gospel Truths About God

gOd Is gOd. There is no discussion in Genesis 1 about who God is. The authoritative Word of God begins with a declarative statement: In the beginning, God. There are no other gods out there to dialogue with God. God doesnt have to runthis statement by other deities because there is no one (1 Corinthians 8:5-6). It is not up for debate or discussion. Elohim is the Hebrew term used in Genesis 1:1 for God. It is plural (which gives first glance into the truth that God is in relation to the rest of the Trinitythe Son and the Holy Spirit). There are no little gods; God is God alone.
Romans 1:19-20: For what can

be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and ever since the creation of the world, in the without excuse.
divine nature, have been clearly perceived, things that have been made. So they are
God was known ever since

Martin Luther, Romans, pg. 43
the world came into existence. The invisible things of God could be seen at all times.
Isaiah 45:18: For thus says the
Lord, who created the heavens (He is God!), who formed the earth and made it (He established it; inhabited!):I am the Lord, and there is no other. He did not create it empty, He formed it to be
God is by definition self-sufficient
gOd Is a gOOd CREaTOR. God is good, and everything He does is good. This theme is present from the very beginning and continues throughout the Bible. Psalm 73:1: Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. Psalm 109:21: But you, O GOD my Lord, deal on my behalf for your names sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me! Psalm 52:1: Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day.
in the sense that this One cannot be dependent upon any other being, since all things have their beginning and end in this One. Thomas Oden, The Living God, pg. 54
gOd REVEals hImsElF. God could have chosen many other facts to tell the world about Himself. He chose to start with Creator. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth was a general revelation for the entire world (how God made Himself known to all mankind). All that He created reveals His glory.
Its All About God

approved of everything that He had made . . . The repetition denotes how wanton is the foolish contempt of man, otherwise it would have been enough to have said, once for all, that God approved of His deeds . . . But now, after the workmanship
At the conclusion of creation, Moses declares that God
of the world was complete and had received, if I may say so, the last finishing touch, God pronounces it perfectly good, that we might know there is in the symmetry of Gods deeds the highest perfection, to which nothing can be added. John Calvin, Genesis, pg. 28
Gospel Truths About Man

The Bible is one story with many characters. This lesson focuses on introducing God as the Lead Character. In future lessons, we will see man created and brought in to His story. God was complete in and of Himself, lacking nothing. God the Father created with man in mind and redemption as the end goal for the praise of Himself.
Gospel Truths About Redemption

Redemption, the main theme in this story, will also be introduced in coming weeks. God knew this redemption, the rescuing of man, would need to happen. In Acts 2:23, the Bible tells us this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
Its All About God

For Your Edification (continued)

Genesis 1:1-2 Deuteronomy 6:4 Psalm 19:1-6 Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 Isaiah 43:8-13 Acts 17:24-28 Romans 10:14-21 Ephesians 3:14-21 Colossians 3:17 James 1:16-18
The Living God by Thomas Oden Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe by Mark Driscoll
genesis 1:1-2: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. deuteronomy 6:4: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Psalm 19:1-6: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into mans heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toilthis is Gods gift to man. I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before Him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away. Isaiah 43:8-13: Bring out the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears! All the nations gather together, and the peoples assemble. Who among them can declare this, and show us the former things? Let them bring their witnesses to prove them right, and let them hear and say, It is true. You are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before me no god was formed, nor
Its All About God

shall there be any after me. I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and I am God. Also henceforth I am He; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back? acts 17:24-28: The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward Him and find Him. Yet He is actually not far from each one of us, for in Him we live and move and have our being. Romans 10:14-21: How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news! But they have not all obeyed the Gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us? So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry. Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, I have been found by
those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me. But of Israel he says, All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people. Ephesians 3:14-21: For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faiththat you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abudantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Colossians 3:17: And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. James 1:16-18: Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
Its All About God

God. He is before everything. God did not remain silent. He desired to make Himself known. Therefore, He created. He put Himself on display. He would later reveal Himself to us again in His Son Jesusas a display of grace, love and kindness to us, His created children.
My Mission As Teacher:
How does reading and studying this lesson re-prioritize your life? Shouldnt the knowledge that God is first and greatest spur us on to live a God-focused life? Shouldnt the idea that God loved us first encourage us to love Him in return? As humans, we are prone to grumble and complain, even about the things that God has given us. How can we more clearly see the goodness of God and live with gratitude and thanksgiving?
Prayer Points:
God gives us good things to enjoy and He displays Himself to us in providing us with these good things. As you are reminded of this truth, pray that the Spirit would give you a grateful heart for the good things God has given you. Pray that your students would be overwhelmed this week with Gods extravagant goodness in their lives.
10
Its All About God

Early Childhood
Treasure story: Genesis 1:1-2; Psalm 19:1-6 Treasure Verse: From everlasting to everlasting you are God (Psalm 90:2). Treasure Point: God tells us about Himself.
engage
Early arrival activity: (10-15 minutes or until most of the children arrive) Have the children draw pictures of their parents (remember that not all of your children will come from two-parent homes). During this activity and throughout the class, you can talk about how their parents existed before them, before they were born. God was before anybody was born. He was first. He always has been. Supplies Needed: Paper, markers, crayons
discover
Bible story Time: (15 minutes)
Deuteronomy 6:4: Hear, O Israel:

the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Teacher Note: We learn about three characteristics of God in this Treasure Story (Genesis 1:1-2 and Psalm 19:1-6). Read the Treasure Story verses from your Bible and the other verses included as you teach these characteristics of God to the children.
God is God
There is only one God. God is only God, and there is no other god in this world.
EArly cHIldHood
11
Its All About God

Younger Children Option: Instruct the children to work on the Fish Match coloring page (see resources). While they are completing the coloring page, point out objects in the room or in the world that are one: one door, one window, one sun, one moon, one you, etc. Hold up the objects if you can, let them touch them, and help them understand that these objects are real. Supplies Needed: Fish Match coloring page, crayons
Older Children Option: Give each child an object from the room (make sure the objects are all different). Seat everyone in a circle and have the children hold their object in front of them. Instruct them to describe one thing about their object to the rest of the group. In between each childs verbal description, you as the teacher can say something about the uniqueness of both the child and the object. Example: Sally has the only blue crayon in the group. There is only one Sally, and there is only one blue crayon in our group. Supplies Needed: Small objects
God tells us about Himself

Psalm 19:1-2 tells us that the sky reveals the very God-ness of God. It reveals His glory. When it is daylight, the sun tells us about God (Psalm 19:4-6). Ask the students what they can learn about God from the sun (constant, bright, helps us see, gives us warmth, etc.). The Bible even says that the night tells us about God. The moon gives us light when it is dark. Everything about creation was made so that it tells us about God. What can you learn about God from the things around you? Younger Children Option: Pass out copies of the Bible coloring page (see resources). Explain to them that God displays Himself to us. One way is that He created everything we see (Psalm 19:1) and another is through the Bible, Gods Word. Supplies Needed: Bible coloring page, crayons
Glory: a way to describe the importance and shining

majesty of God. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids, pg. 70
EArly cHIldHood
12
Its All About God

Older Children Option: Pass out the What Did God Create resource page to each child. Have them circle the items that God created. Talk about the difference between God creating (from nothing, didnt need anything) and the things that humans make (we need materials and technology). See if they can name anything that is not on the paper. Supplies Needed: What Did God Create resource page, pencils
God is Good
All He made is good. The first chapter in Genesis describes how all that God made was good. Convey to the children that all things (point to items around the room) are good, and God made them for our good.
We are dependent completely on Gods kindness

and goodness to make Himself known to us, and for this we ought to be grateful every day of our lives. After all, there is no one more important and more wonderful to know than God. So how thankful we must be that God did ways just who He is. Bruce Ware, Big Truths for Young Hearts, pg. 18
not keep to Himself, as it were. Rather, He showed us in rich and wonderful
Roll-the-Ball Thank You activity: (5 minutes) Have the children sit down in a circle on the floor. Instruct them that God made all things for their good, and they need to be thankful for them. Start with a ball in your hand. Say one thing you are thankful for. Then roll it to another person and have him say what he is thankful for. For younger children, you may just roll the ball to them and ask them to say their name and then fill in this phrase, I am thankful for __________. Then they pass it to the next person until everyone has had a chance. Supplies Needed: Ball
Treasure Verse learning activity: (5 minutes) Have the children line up and then form a circle. They all need to have their hands on the shoulders of the person in front of them. Tell them not to let go of the persons shoulders. Repeat the verse to them as they slowly march in a circle. Have them repeat it to you once they memorize the verse. Share with them that just as no one can tell where this circle begins or ends, God has no beginning or end either. Keep repeating the verse.
EArly cHIldHood FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy
13
Its All About God

song Time: (10 minutes) Love, Love, Love is this quarters theme song. This song can be found on the Treasuring Christ website: www.treasuringchristonline.org. Supplies Needed: CD player, CD
Playground Time: (15 minutes) Center play or free play is an effective use of time if there is no playground available or if the weather is not conductive to playing outside.
snack Time: (10 minutes)
treasure
Treasure Point: God tells us about Himself.
My Mission: (2 minutes)
Share with the children that they can be like God by doing good things for other people. The Bible tells us to be like God. Ask the older children how they can be good this week. What are some things they can do this week for them to be like God (obey their parents, share their toys, be nice to their siblings, help around the house, etc.)?
Prayer Time: (5 minutes)

Pray aloud for the children. As you pray, express gratefulness for all the ways God is good to us. Thank God for how He shows Himself to us in the things that He has given us. If you work with older children, have them say their own prayers, encouraging them to think about how God is good to them.
EArly cHIldHood
14
Its All About God

Elementary
Treasure story: Genesis 1:1-2; Psalm 19:1-6 Treasure Verse: From everlasting to everlasting you are God (Psalm 90:2). Treasure Point: God tells us about Himself through creation.
engage
Early arrival activity: (10-15 minutes or until all the children arrive) Have children color ping pong balls to look like the world. Give them markers and encourage them to be creative. These balls will be used later. As children finish their world ping pong balls, set them aside to dry. Make sure they include their names on the balls, so they can find them later. Optional Activity: If ping pong balls are not an option for you, you can alter this activity. Purchase small pieces of loose candy (preferably round) that the children can hold in their hands. Explain the idea that God holds the entire world in His hands, and He wont let it go. (Heres the best partthe children can then eat the candy after the demonstration is over.) Supplies Needed: Ping pong balls, markers or small unwrapped candy
Isaiah 40:11-12: He will tend His flock like a shepherd;

He will gather the lambs in His arms; He will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a
ElEMEntAry
15
Its All About God

discover
Bible story Time: (15 minutes) Teacher Note: We learn about three characteristics of God in this Treasure Story (Genesis 1:1-2 and Psalm 19:1-6). Read the Treasure Story verses from your Bible and the other verses included as you teach these characteristics of God to the children.
Introduction activity: (10-15 minutes) Younger Children Option: Take a field trip to another large room in the church or outside. If these options are not available, stay in the classroom. Play a few rounds of hide-and-seek. Explain to the children that God doesnt hide Himself from us. Instead, He shows us Himself through creation, everything we see, the skies, the sun, etc. Older Children Option: Give the students an object to hide (these can be items from your classroom). Then take turns asking other children to find the objects. Explain to the children that God doesnt hide Himself from us. Instead, He shows us Himself through creation, the world. Supplies Needed: Small objects
God is God
There is only one God. God is only God, and there is no other god in this world.
Deuteronomy 6:4: Hear, O Israel:

the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
ElEMEntAry
16
Its All About God

God tells us about Himself

Psalm 19:1-2 tells us that the sky reveals the very God-ness of God. It reveals His glory. When it is daylight, the sun tells us about God (Psalm 19:4-6). Ask the students what they can learn about God from the sun (constant, bright, helps us see, gives us warmth, purifying, scorching heat, etc.). The Bible even says that the night tells us about God. The moon gives us light when it is dark. Everything about creation was made so that it tells us about God. What can you learn about God from the things around you?
Glory: a way to describe the importance

and shining majesty of God. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids, pg. 70
God is Good
All He made is good. Many times in the first chapter of Gods Word, the Bible, it says that God saw all that He made and it was good. Ask the students what it means to be good. In Psalm 19:4, we learn more about the day and night. Share the following with the children: Did you know that everywhere on the earth right now it is either day or night? Thats right. So, everywhere on the earth people can be learning things about God right now. Instruct the children to get their world ping pong balls. Have them hold it in the palm of one hand and then enclose their fingers around the ball. They are in total control of the ping pong ball. It is not going anywhere unless the child allows it to go somewhere (if the child drops it, crushes it, breaks it, etc.). Explain to them how God holds the entire worldeven things we cant seein His hand. We are safe because God is a good God.
Treasure Verse learning activity: (5 minutes) Write out each word of the verse on index cards and tape them up around the room. Ask the children to retrieve the cards and put them in order. Then encourage the children to say the verse aloud. Repeat this activity. See how fast they can complete it. This will be a fun activity that will keep the children moving and learning. Supplies Needed: Index cards, pen, tape
ElEMEntAry
17
Its All About God

Playground Time/Center activities/Free Play: (15 minutes) song Time: (10 minutes) Love, Love, Love is this quarters theme song. This song can be found on the Treasuring Christ website: www.treasuringchristonline.org. Supplies Needed: CD player, CD
Closing activity: (5 minutes) Balloon Stomp: Before class, write down things that God created on little pieces of paper. Put one slip of paper inside each balloon. Blow up the balloons and tie a long string on the end. These strings need to be tied around the childs ankle with about 9-12 inches left for the balloon to be attached. At the start of the game, tie one balloon to each childs ankle. The object of the game is to pop another childs balloon and find out what God created. Have them call out what is written on their piece of paper. Supplies Needed: Balloons, string, small strips of paper
treasure
Treasure Point: God tells us about Himself through creation.
Encourage the students to talk about ways they can be like God. For example, they can be kind to their siblings and obedient to their parents, teachers and other authority figures. Invite them to think of one easy activity they can do during the week to show the goodness of God to others. Suggestions include doing a chore for their brother or sister, taking a flower to an elderly neighbor or sharing their dessert at lunch with another student who may not have a friend.

Lead this time of prayer for your students. Encourage them to say aloud what they are thankful for in their lives. Thank God for being the only God who loves them, keeps them, talks with them and gives them good things.
ElEMEntAry
18
Its All About God

Pre-Teen/middle school
Treasure story: Genesis 1:1-2; Psalm 19:1-6 Treasure Verse: Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God (Psalm 90:2). Treasure Point: God tells us about Himself through His good creation.
engage
group Fellowship Time: (10 minutes)
possesses within His own life the fullness of all that is good and perfect. Bruce Ware, Big Truths for Young Hearts, pg. 25
God is God apart from us, in that He
Pass out cards (post-it notes, 3 x 5 cards, pieces of paper, etc.) with these three questions written on them. Ask the students to answer the questions and then share their answers with their classmates: What is one thing you are most passionate about in life? What is your favorite thing you enjoy about creation? Name one thing you have never done before but would like to try. Supplies Needed: Note cards, pens
Opening activity: (10 minutes) Bring in at least one live goldfish. Buy one at a pet store (some larger/super stores sell fish) and bring it to class in a clear plastic bag. Pass around the goldfish (in its container). Ask for names for the goldfish (encourage laughter as the students may suggest silly names). Instruct the students to name things that they can discern about it. Talk about how that goldfish is dependent on its owner to allow it to live. If it doesnt get food, it dies. If the water isnt clean, it dies. Invite them to think about what it feels like to be in charge of a goldfish.
prE-tEEn/MIddlE scHool
19
Its All About God

Teacher Note: The concept for middle school students to understand with this activity should be responsibility, not power. You do not want to confuse the students with power versus authority and responsibility. God made us too. God has authority over all He createdthe plants, trees, sun, moon and oceans. Only He does because He is God the Creator. And He is the only God. Supplies Needed: Goldfish (or other small pet)
Teacher Note: If a goldfish does not translate well with your culture/city/teens, then any pet will work. Convey the truth about the daily reliance of pets on their owners. An owner has total control over a pets life.
Random Facts About Goldfish:

Goldfish are only messy if they eat too much. They dont have a stomach. Goldfish can tan just like humans can. Goldfish can live up to approximately 45 years. Goldfish can be taught tricks. (What tricks would you teach your goldfish?) Goldfish dont blink. (Dont try to have a staring contest with one. You will lose.)
discover
Bible story: (30 minutes) Teacher Note: The verses with the Treasure Story will be your primary passages when discussing how God displays His greatness to us. The other passages listed will help the students see how the theme of God displaying His greatness to us is continued throughout all the Bible. Divide the students into three groups. Each group will have a different aspect of God to discuss. Then the groups will share their findings with the rest of the class.
20
Its All About God

God is tHe God

There is only God in the universe. There is not a question of His supreme oneness in the world. Many religions are practiced in the world. You may see many people following other religions in your neighborhood or school. Maybe some of your friends and the people you see in the news practice different religions. Maybe they dont see God as the only God to serve and love. These passages show how God displayed this truthGod is THE Godfor us in His Word: genesis 1:1: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Exodus 3:13-16: Then Moses said to God, If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they ask me, What is his name? What shall I say to them? God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. And He said, Say this to the people of Israel, I AM has sent me to you. God also said to Moses, Say this to the people of Israel, The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. Psalm 86:8-10: There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Psalm 50:1: The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
God reveals Himself

One primary way that God displays Himself for us is by creation. We see the sun, moon, oceans, stars, grass, insectsall these things teach us about God. God did not have to create anything but instead He chose to show us Himself by creation. Psalm 19:1-6: The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.
21
Its All About God

Psalm 8: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! John 1:14, 18: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Fathers side, He has made Him known. Isaiah 44:23-24: Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done it; shout, O depths of the earth; break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, and will be glorified in Israel. Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself.
God is Good
All that God does is good, and He created all things for our good and His glory. Discuss with your students how God portrays Himself as good in these verses. genesis 1:31a: And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. Titus 3:4-7: But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Psalm 86:5-7: For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. Psalm 31:19-21a: Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the Lord, for He has wondrously shown His steadfast love to me.
22
Its All About God

treasure
Treasure Point: God tells us about Himself through His good creation.

Contact a pastor in your church or a missions organization to get information about a family serving overseas. Obtain some biographical information on the family members as well as some data on the country/state/region where they are serving. Have each student write a short note to the missionaries. This activity will teach students about missions and will also be an encouragement to the Body of Christ throughout the world. Supplies Needed: Note cards or paper, pen/pencils

Have a group prayer time that focuses on gratefulness. Encourage the students to show adoration to our Father for who He is and what He has done for us. This prayer time will reinforce what they have learned today: God is a good God. Teacher Note: Sometimes people find it easier to pray aloud with a group if they write down their prayers before praying. Invite the students to try this if they feel shy or nervous about praying aloud.
Psalm 52:8b-9a: I trust in the steadfast love

of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever.
23
Its All About God

high school
Treasure story: Genesis 1:1-2; Psalm 19:1-6 Treasure Verse: Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God (Psalm 90:2). Treasure Point: God tells us about Himself through His good creation.
The Bible teaches that God is both infinite and personal:

He is infinite in that He is not subject to any of the limitations of humanity, or of creation in general. He is far greater than everything He has made, far greater than anything else that exists. But He is also personal: He interacts with us as a person, and we can relate to Him as persons. We can pray to Him, worship Him, obey Him, and love Him, and He can speak to us, rejoice in us, and love us. Wayne Grudem, Bible Doctrines, pg. 75
engage
group Fellowship Time: (10 minutes) As students enter, hand them note cards or pieces of paper with these three questions written on them. Their mission is to interview one other student and find out the answers. At the end, have the students share their answers with the class. What was the most amazing thing you have done in the past year? Do you have one goal the next month? If so, what is it? What is your favorite after-school activity?
Supplies Needed: Note cards, pens
HIGH scHool
24
Its All About God

Introduction activity: (15 minutes) Begin the class by showing these two video clips if you have Internet access: (3 minutes) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frz43ncf-R8&feature=related (2 minutes) http://creationthemovie.com/trailer (from the movie Creation that is about the life of Charles Darwin) Teacher Note: Showing this movie trailer will engage your students in the discussion that will follow these clips. If any of your students have seen the movie, they can bring key thoughts to the discussion. You may have the DVD of the movie and want to bring it to the class. Supplies Needed: Laptop with DVD player
discussion Questions: Why is the study of creation vs. evolution vs. Big Bang Theory so important? What have you heard? Share these quotes with the students to spark discussion (all were said by Charles Darwin, the father of the modern evolution theory): To suppose that the eye with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest degree. I cannot persuade myself that a beneficent and omnipotent God would have designedly created parasitic wasps with the express intention of their feeding within the living bodies of Caterpillars. The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference. I was a young man with uninformed ideas. I threw out queries, suggestions, wondering all the time over everything; and to my astonishment the ideas took like wildfire. People made a religion of them. At some future period, not very distant as measured by centuries, the civilized races of man will almost certainly exterminate, and replace the savage races throughout the world.
HIGH scHool
25
Its All About God

discover
Bible story: (30 minutes) Teacher Note: Genesis 1:1-2 and Psalm 19:1-6 can be effective teaching tools as to the character and nature of God. Read the Treasure Story verses aloud to start the discussion. In order to promote thought and personal study by each of the students, break the students up into three groups and have them present what the following verses reveal to us about God to the class as a whole. group 1
God is tHe only God

genesis 1:1 Exodus 3:13-16: Then Moses said to God, If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they ask me, What is his name? What shall I say to them? God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. And He said, Say this to the people of Israel, I AM has sent me to you. God also said to Moses, Say this to the people of Israel, The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. deuteronomy 6:4: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Exodus 20:2-4: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. If only one God exists, then that God must be responsible for every creative act. Every created entity derives its existence, its name, its function, its basic good nature, its limitations, and its sustenance from the one Creator. Paul House, Old Testament Theology, pg. 60
HIGH scHool
26
Its All About God

group 2
God reveals Himself to us

Psalm 19:1-3 genesis 1:1-2: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Romans 1:18-25: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. John 1:1-3,14: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. God revealed Himself through Jesus who was in the beginning at creation. group 3
God is a Good God

genesis 1:31a James 1:16-18: Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Psalm 103:1-8: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.
HIGH scHool
27
Genesis 1:1-2; Psalm 19:1-6 Genesis 1:1-2; Psalm 19:1-6
Its All About God Its All About God.
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. These show kindness, grace, strength, goodness, and power to relieving oppression.
discussion/Illustrations: naturalism and Christian Theism Definitions and Quotes: Put these quotes and definitions on the wall or pass them out to the students. Ask students how these quotes are lived out in the culture, movies, books, the church, among friends and in their families. How has what we have just learned from the Bible applicable to the following discussions? Naturalism: the doctrine that scientific laws are adequate to account for all phenomena Christian Theism: emphasizes its uniqueness in that the main thrust of the faith is primarily a person, and not an idea or belief system. Jesus Christwho He is and what He has done for us is central to Christian theism, and to emphasize any other aspect is a misrepresentation of its essence. This central role of the person of Jesus Christ is the most distinguishing aspect of Christian theism, setting it apart from any other world religion. You can use creation panels from the Sistine Chapel as seen at this website (hang these pictures in your room for discussion on how creation is interpreted in art and culture): http://www.lewisdt.com/epistemology/theism.html Teacher Note: The Sistine Chapel creation panels can be used as decoration or brought into the discussion if you have time for it. Discuss movies, television shows or other media options that are current to your students. The point is getting your students to actively engage a biblical worldview when participating in culture. This will look different for each student, region and country. Help your students think biblically about what they see on television or in the movies.
In light of this, those of us who are Christians
(1) are obliged to watch movies with wisdom and discernment, being aware of the messages and moods conveyed on film; (2) recognize the power of movies as both reflections and shapers of our socio-cultural context; and (3) recognize that movies often provide an opportunity for us to discuss with others the hope that is within us. Dr. Bruce Ashford
HIGH scHool
28
Genesis 1:1-2; Psalm 19:1-6 Genesis 1:1-2; Psalm 19:1-6
Its All About God Its All About God.
treasure
Treasure Point: God tells us about Himself through His good creation.

How can you be intentional about showing the love of God to the world this week? One way the class can show Gods love right now is by sending out cards to those who arent here. Teacher Note: Check the class roll and have the students write short notes to these absent classmates. How can you worship God in His creation as you go outdoors this week?

If God truly created everything for our good and for His glory, then our lives should reflect this in praise and adoration. Guide the students prayer time with these three prayer points: Praise God for how He speaks. Thank Him for His Word, creation and the Holy Spirit. Praise God for whom He gives us. Thank Him for relationships with our friends, families, teachers, etc. Praise God for what He gives us. Thank Him for material possessions and ask Him for wisdom in using them for His glory and not just for our enjoyment.
A grumbling spirit is sinful, because it fails to

Hearts, pg. 69
recognize Gods goodness and kindness in providing for us every good thing in life that we enjoy. Dr. Bruce Ware, Big Truths for Young
HIGH scHool
29
Its All About God

connecting church and home

How has God revealed Himself to us in the past? How does God reveal Himself to us currently? God revealed Himself to mankind through creation; through the birth, death, and resurrection of His Son; through the Bible; through the Holy Spirit; miraculous deeds; the parting of the Red Sea and raising Lazarus from the dead. He even revealed His might through plagues, floods and in many, many other ways.
connect
This coming Sunday your child(ren) will be studying how God revealed Himself to man through the act of creation. To help prepare your child, read Romans 1:20 from your Bible. The emphasis will be on God revealing Himself vs. the actual creation. Creation itself is not the reality of Genesis 1. What is of utmost important is that your children would begin to learn that a loving God would choose to reveal Himself to them in such an extravagant way. In Romans 1:20, the glory of God is revealed, clearly seen, and understood through the act of creation so that man has no excuse. Share with your child that your family will be learning at church this Sunday some of the many ways that God has chosen to reveal Himself to mankind through the creation Treasure Verse: Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God (Psalm 90:2).
How foolish we are when we forget to read and

study this book [the Bible]. But how wise and blessed we are when we go to this book constantly for instruction, guidance, correction, and help with living life as God wants. Dr. Bruce Ware, Big Truths for Young Hearts, pg. 23
connEctInG cHurcH And HoME
30
rEsourcEs: FIsH MAtcH colorInG pAGE | Early childhood
trEAsurInG cHrIst currIculuM | www.treasuringchristonline.org
rEsourcEs: BIBlE colorInG pAGE | Early childhood
rEsourcEs: wHAt dId God crEAtE? | Early childhood

01-Its All About God - Lesson 1

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

01-Its All About God - Lesson 1

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One

Its All About God

QuaRTeR Theme | God on dIsplAy Genesis 1:1-2; Psalm 19:1-6

4 5-10 11-14 15-18 19-23 24-29 30 31-33

Its All About God

PRE-TEEn/ mIddlE sChOOl

Psalm 90:2 God tells us about Himself.

Psalm 90:2 God tells us about Himself through creation.

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy

Its All About God

FOR YOuR EdIFICaTIOn

[Genesis] establishes God

Creation, preservation, and

For your EdIFIcAtIon

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy

Its All About God

Gospel Truths About God

Romans 1:19-20: For what can

God was known ever since

Isaiah 45:18: For thus says the

God is by definition self-sufficient

For your EdIFIcAtIon

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy

Its All About God

At the conclusion of creation, Moses declares that God

Gospel Truths About Man

Gospel Truths About Redemption

For your EdIFIcAtIon

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy

Its All About God

For Your Edification (continued)

For your EdIFIcAtIon

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy

Its All About God

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy

Its All About God

For your EdIFIcAtIon

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy

Its All About God

Deuteronomy 6:4: Hear, O Israel:

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy

Its All About God

God tells us about Himself

Glory: a way to describe the importance and shining

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy

Its All About God

We are dependent completely on Gods kindness

not keep to Himself, as it were. Rather, He showed us in rich and wonderful

Its All About God

snack Time: (10 minutes)

Prayer Time: (5 minutes)

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy

Its All About God

Isaiah 40:11-12: He will tend His flock like a shepherd;

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy

Its All About God

Deuteronomy 6:4: Hear, O Israel:

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy

Its All About God

God tells us about Himself

Glory: a way to describe the importance

FIRST QuaRTeR, WeeK One | God on dIsplAy

Its All About God